Grace will hope to join countryman Charl Schwartzel and Spain’s Pablo Martin as the only players to have defended their titles here.

Grace finished his European Tour season in third place on the Race to Dubai standings and playing some of the best golf of his career in 2015.

He won twice this season, finished tied fourth and third in two of the four Majors, and has had three top fives in his last four tournaments.

Grace says he is relishing the opportunity to play on South African fairways again this week and next week at the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

"It's always nice coming to this place and playing on this golf course which is in immaculate condition again.

"Coming back as the defending champion is very special and I just like being here."

Bloemfontein’s Dean Burmester is back in the country after narrowly missing out on his European Tour card last week in Spain.

Burmester leads the chase to the Investec Cup and a win this week in Malelane will see him earn an entry into Africa’s Major next week at the Gary Player Golf Club.

Morgan Piek / Mike Vlismas

Photo: Branden Grace / Richard Heathcote